February 27, 2025
The Tallahassee State College (TSC) Forensics Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State Forensics Tournament, earning a historic victory that highlights the team's continued dominance in forensics. The TSC team clinched both first place in the Overall Team Sweepstakes and secured top honors in Debate Team Sweepstakes and Individual Events Team Sweepstakes. This marks an impressive ninth consecutive win and a remarkable 25th FCSAA championship in the past 27 years for the team.
Team members captured state titles in 11 out of 13 events and took the top three overall spots for individual speakers. All 11 team members were award winners, collectively earning 40 awards. Assistant Coach Elizabeth Blair was also recognized for her exceptional leadership and was voted FCSAA Coach of the Year by coaches across the state.
Natalie Gordon and Trevor Waller tied for first place, while Olivia Shull took second place overall. David Blair became a state champion in After Dinner Speaking and Duo Interpretation. Jackson Chmielewski claimed state titles in Informative Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and IPDA Debate (tying with Jack O'Malley). Natalie Gordon won state titles in Dramatic Interpretation, Program Oral Interpretation, and Poetry Interpretation. In addition to his tie with Chmielewski in IPDA Debate, Jack O'Malley was another champion at the tournament. Olivia Shull won the state title in Communication Analysis, and Trevor Waller claimed state titles in Extemporaneous Speaking, Prose Interpretation, and Duo Interpretation (with David Blair).
Other award-winning team members included Lyatunde (Chemi) Awolowo, Molly Duggan, Delaney George, Savannah (Grace) Hartman, and Evan Peterson.
The team’s next challenge will be the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association (FIFA) State Title, which brings together teams from all state colleges and universities. TSC last captured the prestigious 4-year state title in 2023 and remains the only state college to win FIFA.